50+ Ways to Celebrate Pride Month in Philly

From drag queen story times to food specials, there are so many ways to celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ+ community in Philly this month.


philadelphia pride month

A 1,000-foot-long Pride flag will tour the Philadelphia region to celebrate Pride Month. / Photograph courtesy of Philly Pride 365

June 1st marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time to commemorate the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn and celebrate the Pride movement and LGBTQ+ community. (Plus, did you know that Philadelphia’s first Gay Pride Day took place in 1972?) While Pride dates back over 50 years, it feels more needed than ever. So, from drag shows to block parties, here’s how Philly is planning a month of events for the LGBTQ+ community and allies of all ages to celebrate.

First Things First

philly gay pride

Pride in Philly / Photograph by Laura Swartz

City of Philadelphia Flag Raising

The weekend kicks off with a Pride flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, as city leaders celebrate the theme “Raising Our Pride, Honoring Our Legacy, Building Our Future.” June 5th, noon-1 p.m., north apron of City Hall.

Pride Around the City

Speaking of Pride flags, a 1,000-foot-long one will tour the Philadelphia region (beginning in the suburbs on June 1st) the first week of Pride Month. Want to catch it at city landmarks? It’ll kick off its tour at the Betsy Ross House on the morning of Thursday, June 4th and travel through South Street, then start its Friday on the Art Museum steps before visiting Manayunk, City Hall, East Passyunk, Independence Mall, and more. You can catch it over the weekend at Out for Good and Pride on the Parkway, too. (More on that below). See all locations and dates here.

Philly Dyke March

This year’s theme, “This Is What Democracy Looks Like,” highlights the power of collective action and community voice. The march gathers at 11 a.m. at Kahn Park, then takes to the streets at noon. June 6th, 11 a.m., Kahn Park, 11th and Pine streets.

Pride Promenade & L.U.V. Awards

This celebration features live performances, the L.U.V. Awards (honoring Legacy, Unity, and Visibility), and a dance party on the Art Museum’s grand staircase. This year’s honorees include singer/songwriter Carla Gamble, the City of Philadelphia’s 2026 director Michael Newmuis, and the Philadelphia Gay News. Tickets available online. June 5th, 7-11 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Out for Good: Gayborhood Gives Back

Described as “a 21+ Open Streets,” this celebration will see 13th and Locust closed to cars as bars and restaurants expand with outdoor dining and other fun activations. Bonus: The evening begins with the 1,000-foot-long Giant Pride Flag Walk! June 6th, 4-8 p.m., 13th and Locust streets.

pride

Pride Around the City / Photograph by Kory Aversa

Pride March and Festival

Okay, so this one’s a little complicated this year. For the past few years, the Philly Pride march kicked off on Independence Mall, ending up in the Gayborhood for a free, all-ages neighborhood festival. This year, things are changing: Now, the march will kick off in the Gayborhood at 11 a.m., and culminate in Pride on the Parkway, a ticketed festival featuring live entertainment, community organizations, LGBTQIA+ vendors and makers, and more from 21st and the Parkway all the way up to the Art Museum steps.

This is not without controversy, both for Pride 365’s decision to take the festival out of the Gayborhood as well as to charge for it. (Note: Before the pandemic, the Pride parade route was Gayborhood to Penn’s Landing for a paid festival, but that wasn’t ideal, either.) Long story short: Philly Pride 365 has their (logistical) reasons for the change, and members of the public have their (very fair) reasons for taking issue with it. (This is a guide to the events that do exist, in case you want to go, so I won’t go into great detail here, but I’ll just say that Reddit exists.)

So, while the “official” festival is on the Parkway, many people are still planning to celebrate in the Gayborhood instead. You’ll be in good company either way.

If you do choose the Parkway festival, know that it includes three stages of live entertainment, including a special tribute honoring Patti LaBelle. Also: the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, DJ sets, drag performances from Philly faves like Eric Jaffe and Vinchelle, and much more. You should also know that there are bag-size restrictions, and no outside food or drink, so plan accordingly. And while tickets to the festival are $10, the Pride March will remain free and open to the public, and you can get a free ticket through community organizations including GALAEI, Attic Youth Center, Mazzoni, and more. June 7th; march at 10:30 a.m. at 13th and Locust streets, festival from noon to 7 p.m. on the Parkway.

Photograph by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

“This Is (Not) a Celebration: Queer Resistance 1976/2026”

Organized by the William Way LGBT Community Center, this exhibit depicts Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ organizing, activism, and protest during the 1976 Bicentennial. The exhibit pairs archival materials with the work of three local artists — Scarlett DeLorme, Justin Jain, and Amy Cousins. June 11th-July 3rd, Huddle, 338 Brown Street.

Suburban Pride Celebrations

  • Delco hosts its own Pride parade, in Media on June 6th from noon to 2 p.m. The parade is followed by Pride on State from 2 to 9 p.m. with events across Media: drag, performances, meet-ups, kid-friendly activities, and much more. Then on June 13th, the Delaware County Pride Festival takes it outside in Upper Darby with live performances, dancing, and LGBTQ+ vendors.
  • Narberth presents Pride at the Park, a youth-led celebration, on June 20th (see below for more details).
  • Bucks and Montgomery counties have combined forces for Bucks-Mont Pride on June 28th at Abington Art Center. The sixth-annual event includes live music, food, community resources, family-friendly activities, a meet-and-greet with Mandy Mango from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and more.
  • Chester County’s PrideFest will fill Phoenixville’s Bridge Street with music, art, vendors, and activities for all ages on June 20th from noon to 5 p.m.
  • Meanwhile, Doylestown gets ambitious with a two-week-long Pride Festival from June 12th through 28th, with all sorts of pop-up events, film screenings, parties, drag, and more.

Parties and More Festivals

Pride on the Pier

Hosed by Sway Philly, Liberty Point will be home to three stages for live performances, and eight DJs for a huge pier party to kick off Pride. June 5th, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Liberty Point, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.

Ladies of the 2010s Dance Party: Pride Edition

DJ Riot Meg spins the biggest hits of the decade at this Riot Nerd dance party. Expect music videos on the big screen, themed visuals, and drink specials. Twenty percent of the proceeds from ticket sales is being donated to William Way LGBT Community Center. June 5th, 9 p.m., Milkboy, 1100 Chestnut Street.

Sip City Pride on the Water

Also at Liberty Point (but at an earlier time slot), Sip City Mixer will take over the waterfront spot next for its own fifth-annual Pride kickoff. Expect DJ music, two full bars, a photo booth, sweet treats, liquor activations, river views, and more. June 6th, 5-11 p.m., Liberty Point, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.

Evil Genius Pride Block Party

Evil Genius celebrates Pride with an all-ages block party at their Fishtown lab. There will be DJ music, glitter body art, food trucks, LGBTQ+-owned vendors, and more. Plus, they’ll be serving their #LoveisLove strawberry blonde ale which benefits the Trevor Project. This party is family- and dog-friendly. June 6th, noon-6 p.m., Evil Genius, 1727 North Front Street.

SWEAT 2026: Philly Pride Edition

For its sixth year running, SWEAT returns to the waterfront for a daytime dance party headlined by DJ Diamond Kuts. June 6th, 4-8 p.m., Cavanaugh’s Riverdeck, 427 North Columbus Boulevard.

BOS presents: Physical

BOS Philly is planning a massive, six-hour dance party at the Fillmore. In addition to DJ sets, expect go-go dancers and performances by two RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni: Jasmine Kennedie and Philly’s own Mandy Mango. June 6th, 9 p.m.-4 a.m., The Fillmore, 29 East Allen Street.

Queer Pride Night Market on South Street

Two blocks of South Street shut down for an evening of food, live music, vendors, drag performances, and more. June 7th, 5-9 p.m., South Street between 5th and 7th streets.

Sip City Prom of Your Dreams

Head to the W Philadelphia for a magical, inclusive “prom redo.” Expect DJ music, a dance floor, a photo booth, themed cocktails, and a community of LGBTQ+ Philadelphians who get to do prom night on their own terms this time around. June 10th, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., 1439 Chestnut Street.

Friday Night: Pride Edition at the Art Museum

Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts a pay-what-you-wish Friday evening with live music from Black Buttafly, art activities with artist De’von Downes, gallery talks, and more. June 12th, 5-8:30 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Pride Under the Stars

Fishtown Queen Social hosts an evening of dancing, drinking, and celebration in Frankford Hall’s beer garden. June 13th, 7 p.m.-midnight, 1210 Frankford Avenue.

Pride on Passyunk

East Passyunk Avenue hosts an all-day Pride sip-and-stroll with drag performances, drink specials, DJ sets, store specials, and much more. It kicks off with a 10 a.m. Drag Queen Story Time at Tildie’s Toy Box! Other highlights of the day include drag brunch at Cantina los Caballitos, a dog pool party ball pit and sundae bar at Philly Unleashed, “Queer Improv” at Sawubona, and an afterparty at Echo Echo. See the full schedule here. June 14th, East Passyunk Avenue.

Riot Nerd’s Pride Dance Party

DJ Kira Bandan spins iconic queer anthems and legends past to present. Twenty percent of the proceeds from ticket sales is being donated to William Way LGBT Community Center. June 19th, 10 p.m.-1 a.m., City Winery, 990 Filbert Street.

Kensington Queer Circus Fest

Philadelphia Brewing Company hosts a day of circus and pride with drag performances, clowns, aerial artists, Queer Arm Wrestling, Roller Circus, and more. June 27th, noon-8 p.m., Philadelphia Brewing Company, 2440 Frankford Avenue.

Fun & Games

GayBINGO / Photograph by Jeff Fusco

Love Thru Strength

Barry’s hosts a 50-minute outdoor workout at Jefferson Plaza (12th & Chestnut), followed by an after-party at the Canopy with food and drink by the Wayward and Mi Vida, a drag show with Philly Drag Mafia, and more. June 6th, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; workout at Jefferson Plaza (12th and Chestnut streets), after-party at Canopy (1180 Ludlow Street).

Queer Run Philly 5K

This fun run returns to FDR Park for its second year of “queer and trans joy in motion.” Pre-register online. June 13th, 8 a.m., FDR Park.

GayBINGO

For 30 years, GayBINGO has raised money for AIDS Fund with a monthly themed bingo game hosted by the “Bingo Verifying Divas.” This month is extra special, because it’s the final show for co-founder and longtime hostess Carlota Ttendant. They’ll also be collecting new school supplies for children affected by HIV. Tickets available online. June 13th, 7 p.m., Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 North Broad Street.

Love Out Loud: A Pride-Themed PlayFest

This free evening of staged readings features six new plays celebrating queer joy, love, and acceptance. June 16th, 7 p.m., Tattooed Mom, 530 South Street.

Drag Bingo with Brittany Lynn

Philly’s most prolific drag queen hosts six rounds of bingo (and performances) at Cantina Los Caballitos with fellow Philly Drag Mafia members Billy Cavallo and Lisa Lisa. June 24th, 7-9 p.m., 1651 East Passyunk Avenue.

Drag Brunches (and More)

R&Divas / Photograph courtesy of R&D

Drag Brunches at Evil Genius

Evil Genius hosts themed Sunday drag brunches, from Britney to Moira Rose and beyond. Sundays in June, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 North Front Street.

R&Divas

R&D showcases some of the city’s best drag kings and queens — alongside craft cocktails, of course. Reservations are encouraged via Resy, and food will be available à la carte. June 10th, 8 p.m., R&D, 1206 Frankford Avenue.

“Gaybill” Broadway Drag Brunch

Head to City Winery for drag brunch full of favorite show tunes, trivia, and powerhouse performances. (Note: Ticket does not include brunch, which is pay-as-you-go.) June 14th, noon, City Winery, 990 Filbert Street.

Glee Drag Brunch

Drag queen Eric Jaffe hosts a brunch especially for the Gleeks! (Remember that word?) And yes, costumes are encouraged. June 20th, noon, City Winery, 990 Filbert Street.

Pride + Pasta

We love when our faves team up! This event pairs drag queen Brittany Lynn with Natalia Lepore Hagan of Midnight Pasta for a hands-on pasta-making class followed by a drag show while you dine. Bonus: It’s BYOB. June 25th, 7-9:30 p.m., BLDG39, 5401 Tacony Street.

More with Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia

In addition to the events above, you can catch Miss Brittany Lynn and her friends for brunch and more all over town. On June 14th, they’ll be at the Cantina, and on June 27th they’ll be at Silk City. Prefer nighttime? Head to Bok Bar on June 26th at 7 p.m. for some sunset rooftop drag. (For drag queen story times, see below.)

More Performances

Photograph courtesy of East Passyunk Opera Project

Pride Poetry Slam

Featured poets perform alongside open-floor slots for community voices to amplify LGBTQ+ voices through spoken-word performances “exploring identity, resistance, humor, grief, love, and survival.” June 2nd, 7:30 p.m., Val’s Lesbian Bar, 605 South 3rd Street.

The Queer Show by ComedySportz

This interactive, Pride-themed improv comedy night features LGBTQ+ performers from ComedySportz, and it’s BYOB! A portion of tickets sales goes to the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s Our Night Out. June 5th, 7 p.m., 2030 Sansom Street.

Fear and Self-Loathing in Philadelphia

The East Passyunk Opera Project presents a Pride cabaret hosted by Balena Canto and highlighting themes of protest and resilience: “This unique performance intricately explores the multifaceted responses of queer communities to fear, hatred, and erasure. Rather than retreating, we rise in protest, channeling our experiences into radical joy, love, and unwavering perseverance.” June 6th, 7 p.m., Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancelor Street.

But I’m A Cheerleader: A Live Reading

Our favorite irreverent theater troupe, Theatre Contra, is staging a live reading of the cult-classic movie, promising “a night of pastel propaganda, innuendos, and endless cheerleaders jumping in slow motion.” June 8th, 7-9 p.m., Tattooed Mom, 530 South Street.

Studio 45 Live: Out on the Floor

The Trestle Inn hosts a “queer disco variety show in the style of a 70s TV variety hour” including comedy, drag, and audience participation. Speaking of participation, themed attire is encouraged. The dress code? “Studio 54 realness! Think ’70s glamour, disco ball accessories, sequins, platforms, and anything that makes you feel like the star you are.” June 11th, Trestle Inn, 339 North 11th Street.

AAAHH!!! WTF Now?! Sing-Along Series

Bearded Ladies Cabaret host a series of “solidarity sing-along” shows full of political anxiety, existential dread, and defiant joy. June 13th, 7:30 p.m., Wilma Theater, 265 South Broad Street.

Long Live the Queen

Philly Voices of Pride’s chamber choir premieres their brand-new cantata created by drag artist, opera singer, and costume designer Cookie Diorio and composer Andrea Clearfield. The show “dives into the history of drag, its role in queer culture, and its power to challenge systems and spark change.” June 18th-20th, Wilma Theater, 1315 Spruce Street.

Barnes & Noble’s PrideFest

The Rittenhouse location of Barnes & Noble hosts its second-annual PrideFest, an all-day reading celebration with local LGBTQ+ authors — plus a make-your-own bookmark station and literary trivia. The event is free, and you can come for any or all of the readings. (Have little ones? There’s a kids’ PrideFest on June 14th.) June 20th, noon-4 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 1708 Chestnut Street.

Opera Is a Drag

Part of the Philly Pride Arts Festival, Liberty City Arts celebrates the history and connections between drag artistry and opera in this performance at Franky Bradley’s. June 25th, 6 p.m. 1320 Chancellor Street.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Pride Concert

Trixie Mattel, (Season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars), hosts the Philadelphia Orchestra’s free annual Pride concert. Also on the bill: the ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir, the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, and the Philadelphia Voices of Pride. Tickets must be reserved online. Bonus: Don’t miss the free pre-show in the Kimmel’s Plaza beforehand — no tickets needed for that part — at 4 p.m, with local drag queens and kings! June 30th, 7 p.m. (free pre-show at 4 p.m.), Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.

Kid-Friendly Events

philly pride drag queen storytime

Drag Queen Story Time / Photograph by Laura Swartz

Drag Queen (and King) Story Times

If you want to take your kid to any Philly Pride events, Drag Queen Story Time should be first on your list. Little ones will be uplifted by messages of love, individuality, and tolerance as they are regaled with stories and songs. Brittany Lynn even wrote her own children’s books, so don’t miss out on them, either!

Here’s where to find Drag Queen Story Time all Pride Month long:

  • June 6th, 11 a.m. at Santore Library
  • June 13th, 10 a.m. at Andorra Library
  • June 14th, 10 a.m. at Tildie’s Toy Box
  • June 15th, 11:30 a.m. at Independence Library
  • June 16th, 3 p.m. at Lovett Library
  • June 17th, 10:30 a.m. at Fox Chase Library
  • June 20th, 11 a.m. (drag king story time) at Welsh Road Library; and 2 p.m. at Parkway Central Library
  • June 22nd, 11:30 a.m. at Lawncrest Library
  • June 22nd, 11:30 a.m. (drag king story time) at Independence Library

Ants on a Log Pride Month Concerts

Kiddie musicians with a social-justice focus, Ants on a Log will perform free Pride concerts at Free Library branches all month long:

  • June 8th, 5 p.m. at Queen Memorial Library
  • June 11th, 10:30 a.m. at Oak Lane Library
  • June 13th, 11 a.m. at Whitman Library
  • June 16th, noon at South Philadelphia Library
  • June 17th, 3 p.m. at Frankford Library
  • June 22nd, 3 p.m. at Richmond Library
  • June 27th, 11 a.m. at Rodriguez Library
  • June 29th, 5 p.m. at Blackwell West Philadelphia Library
  • June 30th, 5 p.m. at Wynnefield Library

See more Free Library Pride events here.

Pride at the Please Touch Museum

PTM’s Pride event includes live performances, crafts, dance parties, and more. All activities are free with museum admission. June 6th, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.

Barnes & Noble’s PrideFest: Kids Edition

The Rittenhouse location of Barnes & Noble hosts a first-ever kids’ edition of their PrideFest with story times by local LGBTQ+ authors and illustrators. June 14th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 1708 Chestnut Street.

Mister John’s Pride Sing-Along

South Philly’s kid-favorite Mister John’s Music hosts an all-ages Pride celebration with live music, drag story time with Maria Topcatt, and popsicles. RSVP online. June 14th, 3-5 p.m., DiDruno Bros. Piazza

Pride at the Park in Narberth

A welcoming, youth-led celebration for Narberth, Lower Merion Township, and surrounding areas. The event includes featuring LGBTQIA+ (and allied) artists, performers, organizations, and businesses. June 20th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Narberth Park, Narberth.

Food and Drink Specials

philly pride

Cocktails for a Cause for Pride Month / Photograph courtesy of FCM Hospitality

Cocktails for a Cause by FCM Hospitality

FCM Hospitality is running a month-long fundraiser across all its locations — including Liberty Point, Walnut Garden, Lucy’s, Rosy’s, and even Parks on Tap. Each restaurant will have a drink of a different color (corresponding to the colors of Philly’s own inclusive Pride flag), and proceeds from each $12 drink will benefit the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund. June 1st-30th, various locations.

Loretta’s

For the month of June, Loretta’s will be offering the “Something a Little Fruity,” an iced cherry-vanilla latte topped with Dunkaroo whip, cookies, and rainbow sprinkles. $1 from each drink sold will be donated to the Attic Youth Center, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth. June 1st-30th, Loretta’s, 410 South 2nd Street.

Pride treats / Photograph courtesy of Cake Life

Cake Life Bake Shop

The Beyoncé-favorite, trans-owned Fishtown bakery has rainbow sugar cookies, cupcakes, and more colorful Pride-themed treats. And it’s all available for pickup or delivery. 1306 Frankford Avenue.

Evil Genius #LoveIsLove Beer

To celebrate Pride, Evil Genius is re-releasing its limited-edition #LoveIsLove strawberry blonde ale, with a portion from all sales donated to The Trevor Project. You can find the 12-ounce cans at the Evil Genius Lab in Fishtown, as well as distributed throughout city bars. 1727 North Front Street.